Lot 1811
1838 Pattern Dollar. Silver, Plain Edge. Judd-85. Pollock-94. High Rarity 7. NGC graded Proof 65. Die Alignment III (the center of Liberty's head is opposite the N in ONE). This is a variant of the Judd-84 1838 Gobrecht dollar, also a great rarity, the difference between the two being in the edge design, the Judd-85s (this coin) have a plain edge while Judd-84s have a reeded edge.
The Judd-85 dollars are actually Restrikes and were undoubtedly struck at a later date by Mint personnel for sale to collectors. It is believed these pieces were actually struck during Henry Linderman's second term as Mint director, sometime between 1873 and 1878. The fields on this piece exhibit reflectivity that is consistent with later 19th century proofs, not those made in the 1830s. These pattern dollars are extremely rare; our research for Judd-85 indicates that possibly only a dozen pieces exist, however, there may be fewer than that. Presently, we only know of just four other coins.
When closely examining this piece, we find the depth of mirroring in the fields would be even more pronounced were it not for the layers of beautiful original toning present. Each side displays variegated shadings of rose, sky-blue, antique-golden, and tan-brown, lighter in the center of the obverse and deeper around the margin. These colors are more evenly distributed across the reverse. The strike is generally full as expected of a specimen striking. The only minor weakness is noted on stars 4 through 7 on the left side of the obverse, which has been seen on other examples. The only pedigree markers we see are three short parallel marks in the field above the eagle's wing. This extreme rarity will be closely viewed by Gobrecht dollar specialists. Pop 1; 2 finer, 1 in 66, 1 in 66 Star. (PCGS # 11354) .
Estimated Value $100,000 - 115,000.
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